Reviewer John Nolan shares his picks for the past year…
Ransom Riggs, Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children
Highly imaginative and engrossing fantasy thriller, the film adaptation of which was recently released in cinemas. The ‘Peculiar’ children all have unusual powers but must hide inside a time loop to protect themselves from their enemies the Hollows and the Wights. A real page turner with interesting photos to enhance the intriguing story.
Lauren Wolk, Wolf Hollow
A wonderful coming- of-age tale where the main character, 12 year old Annabelle, learns that not everyone is kind and sometimes she must lie to protect the innocent. Set in rural Pennsylvania in 1943, it is a tale of personal integrity and compassion and an engrossing read in the mould of To Kill a Mockingbird.
Evan McHugh, Black Sunday
A twelve year old boy living in Bondi in the 1930s wants to become a lifesaver. He gets his chance when he rescues swimmers on ‘Black Sunday’ in 1938 when Australia’s largest surf rescue occurs. Great beachside holiday reading that is full of adventure and accurately recreates the Australia of the period.
Barry Jonsberg, Game Theory
When his younger sister is kidnapped, sixteen year old Jamie is the only one who has contact with the perpetrator. He uses his mathematical skills and knowledge of Game Theory to predict the kidnapper’s next move and becomes entangled in a classic race against time. A fast-paced action novel that makes ideal summer reading.
A bit about John Nolan…
John Nolan is an English and Literature teacher with over 30 years experience. He completed a Graduate Diploma of Education (Children’s Literature) in 1996 and Master of Philosophy in 2001. In recent times, John and his wife have been working with The Australian Catholic University library in Melbourne to establish the “The Nolan Historic Children’s Literature Research Collection”.
